Lincoln, NE – Nebraska will plunge into its first major Arctic outbreak of the season beginning Saturday, November 30, as a powerful surge of cold air drops temperatures well below freezing and creates icy travel conditions through the first week of December.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong Arctic front descending from Canada will bring widespread subzero wind chills across the Plains. The Climate Prediction Center reports a 70–85% chance of below-normal temperatures across the state, with overnight lows near zero and wind chills as cold as -20°F across northern Nebraska.
Drivers along I-80 and I-29 should expect hazardous travel conditions, including black ice, blowing snow, and freezing fog in open areas. The Nebraska Department of Transportation advises travelers to monitor road conditions closely and avoid unnecessary travel during the coldest parts of the morning.
This Arctic blast marks the start of an extended cold pattern across the central U.S., stretching from the Dakotas to Texas. The frigid air will likely persist into mid-December before any significant warm-up.
Residents are urged to check heating systems, bring pets indoors, and carry emergency kits when driving. Frostbite can occur in as little as 15 minutes of exposure during peak wind chills.
